Preview: 2014 Buick Regal

2014 Buick Regal at a GM press event ahead of the New York Internationa Auto Show on March 26, 2013.

PHOTO: Derek McNaughton, Postmedia News

2014 Buick Regal at a GM press event ahead of the New York Internationa Auto Show on March 26, 2013.

PHOTO: Derek McNaughton, Postmedia News

2014 Buick Regal GS at a GM press event ahead of the New York Internationa Auto Show on March 26, 2013.

PHOTO: Derek McNaughton, Postmedia News

2014 Buick Regal GS at a GM press event in advance of the New York International Auto Show, on March 26, 2013.

PHOTO: Derek McNaughton, Postmedia News

2014 Buick Regal GS at a GM press event in advance of the New York International Auto Show, on March 26, 2013.

PHOTO: Derek McNaughton, Postmedia News

2014 Buick Regal GS at a GM press event in advance of the New York International Auto Show, on March 26, 2013.

PHOTO: Derek McNaughton, Postmedia News

By Derek McNaughton, Postmedia News

Originally published: March 26, 2013

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New York — The 2014 Buick Regal and Regal GS may not appear vastly different on the outside, but there are subtle changes, including available xenon headlamps with LED running lights, plus new LED tail lamps connected with a chrome bridge.

But the bigger news is the addition of AWD to the Regal Turbo and Regal GS. Using the same Haldex system now being used in the 2014 LaCrosse, the Regal’s AWD setup automatically handles torque distribution duties, allowing as much as 90% of the torque to go to the rear wheels in what was only a front-wheel-drive car before.

AWD should make a big difference not only to the feel of the Regal Turbo and GS but its performance, too, especially with an increase in power to the twin-scroll turbo engine. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder jumps to 259 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque from 220 and 260 respectively. While the Regal Turbo and Regal GS now share the same turbo engine, the Regal can also be ordered with a 182 horsepower, 2.4L eAssist four-cylinder that uses a lithium-ion battery system and electric motor-generator to help produce power. Both engines get six-speed automatic transmissions, but a six-speed manual continues to be available in the Regal GS.

The other big change with the Regal is the elimination of the dowdy instrument cluster and smallish centre-screen stack. Standard Regal models now get a 4.2-inch digital colour screen for navigation, audio system functions and phone features, while the GS comes standard with an eight-inch screen. Fewer buttons clean up the interior overall. Dual-zone climate controls also feature one touch control.

Like the LaCrosse, a suite of safety is now available on the 2014 Regal, including forward collision alerts, lane departure warning, lane change alert, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Built in Oshawa, Ont., the 2014 Regal goes on sale this fall with pricing to be announced later.